26 - Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services

About the role

The Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services supports the Executive Director of ESS and the district in meeting the achievement needs of students with disabilities. Key responsibilities include planning, monitoring, and evaluating programs, collaborating with school administration, and supervising special education staff.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director of ESS and ESS Coordinators to plan, monitor, and evaluate programs for students with special needs from 0-21 years of age
• Aid in the development, implementation, and coordination of the school district's services to and programs for students with disabilities
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of ESS to develop annual staffing plans and department budgets
• Interpret, implement, and administer local, state, and federal statutes, rules, policies, and administrative directives pertaining to services for students with disabilities
• Work closely with school administration to ensure high quality instruction progress, monitoring, and IEP development for students with special needs
• Assist in the oversight of district special education compliance procedures and processes
• Aid in the development, implementation, and continuous review of the processes for referral, evaluation, identification, and placement of exceptional children (Child Find) in order to ensure maximum educational opportunities
• Attend IEP meetings/IEP related events as needed to mediate and facilitate decision making for students with special needs
• Supervise Coordinators and itinerant personnel, as assigned, and conduct performance evaluations
• Train, assign work, transfer, discipline, address complaints, and resolve problems as needed
• Provide vision, leadership, and professional development to support student achievement and effective services by identifying best practices, developing and implementing strategic improvement plans, determining professional development areas to support achievement plans, and interfacing special education programs with district goals and initiatives
• Assist the Executive Director of ESS in supervising and administering all Special Education programs, including Charter Schools and out of district placements within Pueblo School District 60's administrative boundaries
• Aid in the preparation of required documentation for resolution of disputes, complaints, and due process in conjunction with District legal counsel and the Director of ESS
• Represent the ESS department at local, regional, and state meetings, task forces, and other functions
• Work with community constituents to represent and positively impact services for students with special needs, including judicial services, Department of Human Services, and community health service providers

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education or related field
• Colorado Director of Special Education License or eligibility at time of hire
• Five (5) years of experience as a building administrator or district administration related to special education
• Previous successful experience in ESS at all levels (prek-12)
• Valid Colorado Driver License
• Completed a fingerprint-based criminal background check and cleared by the Office of Human Resources
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary

Skills

• Knowledge of current theories, practices, and techniques in the education of students with disabilities
• Knowledge of special education curriculum, instructional management, and behavior management strategies
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules, regulations, statutes, and policies related to exceptional students and special education, including data privacy
• Knowledge of special education funding, budget development and management
• Knowledge of writing and evaluating Individual Education Plans for both quality and compliance
• Knowledge of adult learning models regarding staff development
• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills and the ability to motivate people
• Ability to plan, implement, assess, and evaluate special education programs
• Ability to select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff
• Ability to maintain funding and budget control
• Excellent integrity and good moral character and initiative
• Exhibit a personality that demonstrates interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community

Benefits

• Fringe Benefits based on Schedule C
• Status: FLSA Exempt

Pay

Salary Range: APT

Schedule

Schedule: 220 days per year